Dr Kenneth Koo

Feeding Tube Placement (PEG) Specialist In Singapore With 20 Years Experience

  • Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a procedure to insert a feeding tube into the stomach via the abdomen in order to supply nutrition or medications directly into the stomach.
  • It is an effective and safe way to provide nutrition to the body for people with swallowing difficulties.

Dr Kenneth Koo has extensive experience in treating gastrointestinal conditions in adults, with extensive training in feeding tube placement.

What Is Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG)?

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure in which a feeding tube is placed into the stomach through the abdomen.

Feeding tube placement allows nutrients to be directly supplied to the stomach, bypassing the mouth and oesophagus. This procedure is typically performed for people who experience difficulty swallowing and cannot receive nutrients safely through the mouth eg swallowing difficulties due to neurological conditions such as stroke.

When Is PEG Needed?

PEG is recommended if you experience the following:

  • Inability to swallow properly and safely
  • Inability to receive sufficient nutrients or fluids by mouth long term ( uncommon )
About our Gastroenterologist

Dr Kenneth Koo

Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist

Gleneagles Medical Centre

  • MBBS
  • M Med (Int Med)
  • MRCP (UK)
  • FRCP (Edin)

Dr Kenneth Koo is an experienced gastroenterologist with more than 20 years’ experience and is well trained in managing all types of digestive and liver conditions.

Prior to joining private practise, Dr Kenneth Koo was Director of Gastroenterology and Senior consultant at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. An integral member of the team which transitioned from Alexander Hospital to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital in 2015, he was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the gastroenterology division including the growth, development and governance.

Dedication to his patients and clinical practise can be seen from several service quality awards obtained over the years.

PEG: Before, During & After

Before the procedure, you should:

  • You will be admitted to hospital 1 day before the procedure.
  • Fast for at least 6 hours or as advised by your gastroenterologist. This allows your gastroenterologist to have a clear view of your stomach during the endoscopy.
  • Inform your gastroenterologist of any medications or supplements that you are currently taking especially blood thinners such as aspirin. You will be required to stop taking blood thinners before the procedure. Your doctor will advise you how long to stop the blood thinners before the procedure.
  • Inform your gastroenterologist of any medication allergies or special medical conditions that you have, such as diabetes or heart and lung conditions.

Depending on each individual, Dr Koo and his team will walk you through a detailed plan for your feeding tube placement preparation.

 

What Happens During PEG?

You will be given sedation during the procedure to reduce pain. Once sedated, your doctor will place a gastroscopy (a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera at the tip) via your mouth into the stomach.

Subsequently, a suitable entry point for the PEG will be identified on your abdomen. A small incision will be made at the entry point followed by placement of the feeding tube into the stomach.

The entire process will typically take less than an hour.

What to Expect Afterwards?

After the procedure, some degree of pain and discomfort may be expected at the PEG site. This can often be managed by simple pain-killers such as paracetamol and should improve over the next few days. Typically several days of stay in hospital will be required post procedure to watch for complication as well as to learn how to care for the tube.

Dr Koo and his team will guide you on how to use and care for the feeding tube.

Make An Enquiry

Dr Koo strives to provide accurate diagnosis & effective treatments for each patient. Our team will guide you through the treatment & recovery process, ensuring you get the highest level of care & service.

Why Do Patients Choose
The GI & Liver Center

  • Previous Director of Gastroenterology & Senior consultant at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital
  • More Than 20 Years’ Experience
  • Accurate Diagnosis Through Comprehensive Screening Tools
  • Accepting Patients With & Without Insurance
  • Transparent & Honest Charges

Make An Enquiry

Dr Koo is committed to personalised patient care.
Contact us to learn more about our treatments and our fees.

Possible Risks & Complications

PEG is generally a safe procedure with a low complication rate.

However, as with any other medical procedure, some of the risks involved may include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection of the skin and soft tissue around the PEG
  • Injury to nearby organs during placement of the PEG eg colon
  • Sedation related complications eg breathing difficulties, low blood pressure, lung infection
  • Accidental feeding tube dislodgement
  • Leakage of stomach contents around the tube
Billing & Insurance

Partnered Programs & Insurance Plans

We accept a range of policies that covers individual health insurance as well as corporate insurance plans. We have partnered with many insurance companies such as Aviva, IHP, Great Eastern, and more!

Our Clinic

Feel free to drop by at our clinic at 6 Napier Road #06-16, Gleneagles Medical Center, Singapore 258499

Enquire With Us

We are here to help. Fill in the form below to send us your enquiry or schedule an appointment.
Please Note: Adult patients ONLY.

    Prefer to talk? Contact us via whatsapp for faster response!

    Visit Our Clinic

    The GI & Liver Center

    6 Napier Road #06-16
    Gleneagles Medical Center
    Singapore 258499

    enquiries@tglc.sg

    Mon-Fri: 9am – 12.30pm and 2pm - 5pm
    Sat: 8.30am – 12.30pm
    Sun & PH: Closed

    You should provide Dr Koo with the necessary medical information, such as any medications or supplements you are currently taking, your medical history and any symptoms you may be facing.

    After feeding tube placement, most people receive liquid nutrition, fluids and medications through the feeding tube. Restrictions on eating or drinking by mouth depend on each individual. Dr Koo and his team will discuss this issue with you.

    Feeding tubes can last for months or even years. However, they may become clogged or break down after extended periods. 

    Depending on whether you still require a feeding tube for your nutrition supply, the feeding tube may or may not be replaced. 

    If you do not need a feeding tube anymore, your doctor will simply remove the tube, and the opening in your stomach will close by itself. If you still require a feeding tube, your doctor can easily replace the tube without invasive surgery or any anaesthetic. However, endoscopy and sedation may be performed in some cases.